From my posts on this and other forums - you know that I study Uechi-ryu. I've reserved making any comments in the discussions about the different Uechi-ryu "factions" - new kata here - another kumite there - like Bill-san eloquently stated in a post on the "Tomoyose Sensei" thread on his forum - they all do the three major kata - so the central concepts seem to be the same. As far as the study of Uechi-ryu goes.

Yet - although this site is mostly frequented by Uechi-ka - we do have contributors from other styles as well. I have finally decided to reveal my other style - half the secret is out anyway - J.D.-san keeps referring to my knowledge of the "secret" female dojo - I can never reveal it's location - on pain of death and horrible torture of course - to the person who hears the location that is - but we have decided to allow the male counterpart to our secret style be revealed upon these pages - in the interest of the search for the "true" martial art... My sensei is a secret master of this art and has given me permission to allow you honored readers the priveledge of applying for these secrets...

Now that you have broken the code of silence, the rest must be told. The caped warrior in your picture is none other than yours truly!

Haha, I have lurked long enough, I have simmered in seething silence while the lore of Llap-Goch went untold. I have seen your posts, but alas, you fools no nothing of the true martial way - Secret Welch Ninja!

Lori, Excellent ad! The only scam phrase missing was the sense of urgency: "Send before midnight tonight!" or"While supply lasts!"MikeP.S. Can you remember why you got into Martial Arts in the first place?

In answer to your question - I never really had one! I always wanted to study - for as long as I can remember - and it took many years of looking at different schools and styles before I found my sensei - then I knew I was home.

The fact that he is a master of Llap-Goch probably clinched the decision!

Lori, Of course. Who on earth could ever hope to resist the attraction of Llap Goch. I started from observing a brown belt named Steve Dolan who I went to High School with. He was the one of the quietest and most unassuming people I have ever met. His nickname became Spock, Star Trek not the baby doctor. After witnessing several "amazing demonstrations" I got to know him. He then gave me a Free Lesson Card for the Mattson Academy.Mike

Thanks for sharing your story - it's always interesting to find out what brought each of us to karate... I wonder if a thread to that effect would go anywhere. Could be a nice addition to the archives. In our dojo, we have a file of old registration forms which lists on the bottom "Reason why I wish to study karate:" and it's fascinating to look back 20 years or so - and see who's where and doing what now...

Didn't you know? A leek-coloured belt is the next promotion after camouflage coloured! But you have to be on a contract first - and swear eternal fielty to the Llap-Goch Master and never-ever look at another matrial arts style - even a Jackie Chan movie!